Having stumbled over the stretch of time, a journey had been peaceful paving my way through the darkness only to get there at an odd hour and I can’t apologize enough for this to my host. How blessed! Drenched in excitement with patchy drizzle overhead, as many times I felt this moment and walked slowly into the mystery after exiting the taxi along the narrow winding road.
The bleak atmosphere has begun to clear and ushered us towards the most uninhibited talks on varying topics. Mark my words! I am so open only to those who share common traits and similar interests of mine. Along the long stretch of talks followed by waves of laughter until gurgled to halt in one’s throat… we had nothing more than a good conversation. Personally, it was such a quality moment sitting around the heater as we all were trapped in our own ideas. What’s better in life than connecting through a smile?
As the seconds passed, it never stops but it will last. Towards the end of our conversation, putting lights out and it was time for bed. Over the bed across the floor, slithered under the blanket onto a smooth bed-sheet, I flipped sideways to adjust my comfort, and happily signed off my day.
Dogs were already up when I am awake the next morning. As I am always so was on the same day- with each breath I was thankful and with each walk I was grateful. My day began with a long sigh and had some more chit-chats. Then my host prepared a breakfast that no one can afford to deny; sumptuous and tasty- I ate it to my heart’s content. their kindness and generosity were very heartening as they showered the common courtesy to the uncommon guy. Always grateful for the hospitality.
Heading towards the Paro town around mid-day was fun. No sooner did I reach the parking, I was so humbled and honored to see so many taxis queued up for my arrival. With a brief bow as a sign of courtesy, I slowly walked past them. But as the drivers hovered their eyes on me like fans waiting for their celebrity’s autography and the paparazzi struggling to get best shots, I couldn’t flaunt enough to let the air of their reception get inside me and pride over it. Therefore, I walked around the parking with an exaggerated swagger. With the final step hitting the finish line of the area, to my utter dismay not even a single taxi driver shouted “Thimphu! Thimphu! Thimphu!” which I have dearly anticipated.
However, I had little choice to swallow my pride at that moment. By then I had ruffled the feathers of my pride and made a satisfying dent in my ego. I lampooned myself for such idiotic deeds and the very plight ended as I made a silent pray…He who is lucky shall come to me, and He shall safely transport me to Thimphu. Help me, I beseech thee, O Lord.
After few seconds, one of the taxi drivers approached me and we conversed for a while, He then let me in his car. I have been waiting in that particular taxi for so long when the driver wanted some more passengers to join the trip. As the day wore on, I couldn't resist my temptation to walk out and look for some other taxi heading to Thimphu. At that very moment, a likely some other drivers past me shouting...Thimphu lu Chi..Tsab Tasb! Immediately hearing his voice, I thought I need to bite the bullet and that was the last straw, my patience has run out. Decidedly I did hop out of the taxi in which I have been waiting for so long to join the other trip. Then suddenly, few drivers came up to me and said, “You can inform the driver and come with us” but they are followed by some other drivers to the scene in order to thwart me from joining the other trip.
Thereby, sensing a possible broil over this silly incident, I had to tactfully play a role to pacify the situation and extinguish their anger. Thence, I discovered even amongst those seemingly small and happy group of taxi drivers, they have tied their allegiance towards two unalike teams, thus creating a big gulf between each other.
Sometimes, it’s hard to let reconcilement grow, where the wounds of hatred priced so deep. At the peak of the emotions, we often unleash a storm of unbraided words. Anyhow, a bit worried man amongst all, I mediated between the two factions and remained seated on the earlier seat in the taxi. Now unlike before, I saw fear in the eye of my driver of losing me and realized how I am playing the role of Golden goose to them…lol. Unanimously driver and I decided to tour the town several rounds but still couldn’t fetch a single passenger. Again he drove me back to the parking to let me wait until further notice from him.
Finally, a driver from the opponent team approached the driver whom I am with, with a proposal to flip a coin. I was surprised, on my name what makes them do such crazy things but I remained silent throughout the entire process to let them complete their discussion. The driver next to me has also acceded to his proposal to flip the coin and whoever loses the match that very person will handover his passenger to the other driver who wins and the winner will proceed to Thimphu. Unluckily, they couldn’t manage to get a coin to execute the plan. At that juncture, the opponent driver took out Nu. 50 from his wallet to my driver and said he will take me to join his trip. In the end, with no alternative left available…reluctantly and painfully he signaled his approval of letting me go. I also felt bad for my driver but nothing was going to be more remorse if I kept latching on to this favor as likely was the scenario where I would have to wait till some more time.
In such an intense atmosphere, to comfort and upswing his mood, I patted my driver and successfully bid farewell. Getting into the other driver’s car, there was two more passenger brewing enough frustration for having to wait so long. As the driver put on the radio and started the engine, all of us could clearly see broad smiles all over our faces. Embarrassingly and to my two friends' surprise that driver triumphantly declared, I purchased him (me) at Nu. 50, by then all four of us laughed out loud as the car set on motion towards Thimphu.
Without even leaving a small spot for a second, our shared stories spurred on the imagination and it blew up all in the air. “Am I that Cheap! if so, he got me at a good price!” was all that I recall now of my journey.
Thou love fair, O my Lord!
